NBA Trade Buzz Intensifies as Season Approaches Deadline

UPDATE: The 2025-26 NBA season is heating up as teams prepare for a pivotal trade season beginning December 15. With 12-time All-Star players weighing their futures and teams evaluating rosters, the drama is palpable just weeks before the February 5 trade deadline.

In a recent episode of Brian Windhorst’s The Hoop Collective, insiders discussed the likelihood of trades in December. Windhorst stated, “I don’t think there’s going to be trades happening next week,” while noting that teams are starting to assess their roster weaknesses. NBA analyst Bobby Marks added that by Monday, 82 players will be eligible for trade, making this a crucial time for teams to strategize.

Dereck Lively II, the starting center for the Dallas Mavericks, will undergo season-ending foot surgery, further complicating the Mavericks’ situation as they explore trades for Anthony Davis and veteran guards Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. The team currently sits at 10-16, clinging to the last play-in spot in the Western Conference.

Multiple teams are eyeing Davis, with the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors reportedly interested. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are open to discussing trades for Jonathan Kuminga, whose $22.5 million salary could facilitate a larger deal beginning January 15.

The Indiana Pacers are also actively seeking a center following the offseason loss of Myles Turner. The Sacramento Kings are reportedly open to trade talks involving veterans like Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, signaling a potential shake-up across the league.

In a surprising turn, the Los Angeles Clippers parted ways with Chris Paul, who was sent home ahead of a game against the Hawks. Paul, once a starter for the Spurs, has struggled with limited playing time and has reportedly not communicated with coach Ty Lue for weeks. This development comes as teams navigate trade eligibility, with Paul unable to be officially traded until December 15.

Amid these changes, discussions surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future with the Milwaukee Bucks are intensifying. Sources indicate that Giannis and his agent are weighing whether his best fit remains with Milwaukee, especially as the Bucks currently stand at 10-13. Windhorst noted the reluctance among teams to trade multiple first-round picks, complicating potential deals for star players like Giannis.

As the trade deadline approaches, the NBA landscape is poised for significant shifts. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these developments unfold, making this an exhilarating time in the league.

Stay tuned for continuous updates as trade rumors and team strategies evolve in the coming weeks.